Historically interesting Civil War envelope, the upper left corner printed with "Office Chief Engineer, New York Fire Department - 21 Elizabeth Street" and addressed to "Capt . Andrew D. Purtell, Co. K., NY Fire Zouaves, Camp Ellsworth, Alexandria Va." with "Politeness of Chief Engineer John Decker" in the lower left corner. Captain Andrew D. Purtell was the first commander of Company K of the First Fire Zouaves. The First Fire Zouaves, also the Ellsworth Zouaves, were established by E. Elmer Ellsworth, who, inspired by the French Zouaves, organized the regiment from among New York fire fighters, believing that their experience with of courage in the face of danger well suited them to the perils of war. Ellsworth, a staunch supporter of Lincoln, was the first Union officer to die in the civil war, shot while removing a confederate flag from the roof of the Marshall House Inn in Alexandria Virginia on May 24, 1861. Construction on Fort Ellsworth, ("Camp Ellsworth" on the envelope) began the following day. John Decker was the last Chief Engineer of the original New York Fire Department, established in 1648. A lot of history in a small space. Approx. 5 7/8" x 3 14".